Nash, Chanderpaul steady West Indies

The West Indies batted steadily after Darren Bravo's dismissal to reach 229-3 in their first innings at lunch on the second day of the third and final Test against Sri Lanka on Thursday.

Shivnarine Chanderpaul, looking for a big knock after scoring just 40 in two completed innings of the series, was unbeaten on a patient 46 at the break with vice-captain Brendan Nash (55 not out).

The series is tied 0-0 after rain-hit drawn Tests in Colombo and Galle.

The West Indies added 95 to their overnight total of 134-2 for the loss of just one wicket in the morning session, with Chanderpaul and Nash putting on 87 for the unbroken fourth-wicket stand.

Nash, who survived a run-out chance on 32, reached his second half-century of the series with two runs off left-arm spinner Rangana Herath. He also completed 1,000 Test runs during his 87-ball knock.

Sri Lanka started the day with a double-pace attack and got a big wicket in the morning's fourth over when Dilhara Fernando trapped well-set Bravo (68) leg-before.

Bravo could add only five to his overnight score of 63, including a fluent cover-drive for a four off Fernando. He cracked 10 fours in a 117-ball knock for the third half-century of his maiden Test series.

Fernando, who replaced injured Nuwan Kulasekara in the side for this Test, bowled without luck on Wednesday as two catches were dropped off his bowling. He bowled well in his opening five-over spell on Thursday, taking a wicket.

Sri Lanka, seeking a few early wickets to put pressure on the West Indies, failed to taste another success in the extended session as Chanderpaul and Nash applied themselves well.

Herath, who impressed in the previous Test with three wickets, was pressed into the attack after 58 overs and nearly got a wicket in his fourth over.

Chanderpaul survived on 38 when he asked for a review of the decision after being given out leg-before while attempting to reverse-sweep Herath. He was then ruled not out after TV replays showed the ball hit the gloves.

The West Indies have lost five and drawn three of their eight Tests in Sri Lanka.